Big sigh of relief in Lackenhof: In a press conference called at short notice on Friday afternoon, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Sportplandesrat Jochen Danninger announced the complete takeover of the Lackenhof and Hochkar ski areas.
A new investor has to be found in two years
The state of Lower Austria is single-handedly realizing the merger of the two ski areas. The plan that the Schröcksnadel group rejected the previous week.
Thus, skiing continues at the Ötscher lifts; the ski season starts as soon as conditions allow. However, Sports Councilor Danniger also made it clear that the state will only operate the Ötscher lifts for two years. If there is no new investor by then, the lifts will be shut down for good.
Land also takes over profitable Hochkar in its entirety
The history: A week ago, the Schröcksnadel Group, as a 60 percent owner, announced that it was leaving the Ötscher lifts, we reported:
The state of Lower Austria was unable to take over the lifts due to the recent deficit in Lackenhof. Countless (often emotional) discussions followed between the owners and the gaming community, the tourism association and the numerous representatives of local businesses such as ski schools, ski rentals and accommodation providers.
In an online petition, over 18,000 compatriots campaigned for the preservation of the Ötscher lifts. Now Walter and Peter Schröcksnadel gave in. They agreed to sell the shares of the profitable Hochkar to the country. According to Danninger, the purchase price is in the single-digit million range.
Mikl-Leitner: “Put Lackenhof on a new footing”
With the takeover, the state intends to give the region some latitude. “We want to put Lackenhof on a new footing,” emphasized Mikl-Leitner. The aim is to set the course for year-round tourism, following the example of St. Corona am Wechsel.
Provincial Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Provincial Councilor Jochen Danninger announced the takeover of the Schröcksnadel shares in Ötscher and Hochkar.
NLK Burchhart
The state is providing two million euros in regional funding for this realignment. Another million is to be made available as funding for the urgently needed renovation of the room renters.
Land relies on local engagement and initiatives
“Today I am very happy that we made the takeover,” emphasized State Councilor Jochen Danninger. At the same time he made it clear: “A new spirit must also be sparked in the place, the commitment and the initiatives must also come from the place.” At the same time, Danninger hopes that many of the 18,000 signatories of the petition will follow up on the expressions of solidarity with deeds.
“Today is a day of joy. But from tomorrow we will all have to pull together so that the new beginning in Lackenhof succeeds,” said Danninger
.